MX23RW : Thursday, February 6 02:00:27| >> :120:9420:9420:

Myles Lewis-Skelly set for "great career" as Arsenal legend addresses Ashley Cole comparisons

© Imago
Ray Parlour tells Sports Mole that Arsenal youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly will have a "great career" as the Gunners legend addresses comparisons with Ashley Cole.

Former Arsenal midfielder Ray Parlour has told Sports Mole that young full-back Myles Lewis-Skelly will have a "great career", although he exercised caution over comparisons with Ashley Cole.

The 18-year-old is enjoying a breakthrough season at the Emirates Stadium, having made 20 competitive appearances in all competitions this season.

Lewis-Skelly's memorable campaign provided another unforgettable moment in Sunday's home clash against Manchester City, with the left-back scoring Arsenal's third goal in a dominant 5-1 victory.

Having impressed during his fledgeling senior career, the teenager is already being touted for an England call-up ahead of March's international fixtures.

Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly pictured on February 1, 2025© Imago

Parlour issues Lewis-Skelly praise

Speaking to Sports Mole, Parlour praised Lewis-Skelly for how quickly he has adapted to first-team football at a young age.

"Absolutely, I've met Myles a few times now, the latest only a couple of weeks ago," Parlour said. "He has a good head on him, a strong family around him and well. He looks well-grounded and has no fear coming into such a big game."

"He has grown a lot since his debut and looking comfortable in the Arsenal defence. He looks to handle the pressure well, which is excellent at such a young age."

Although he has only made 10 top-flight appearances, Lewis-Skelly is already drawing comparisons with former Arsenal and England left-back Ashley Cole.

Parlour is wary of making such comparisons at such an early stage, although he believes the defender will go on to have a "great career".

Arsenal's Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly pictured on November 2, 2024© Imago

Parlour warns against Ashley Cole comparions

"If Myles goes on to be anything like Ashley, he is in for one hell of a career," Parlour said. "Given Ashley won seven FA Cups and plenty of Premier Leagues and other big trophies, not to mention England caps. For Myles, he needs to keep his head down, keep learning in training and putting in performances week in and week out consistently.

"He has to keep focused on his game and not let anything distract him. But, he has a very bright future, as he only has to look at Saka, who came through the academy and how he has shown excellent consistency in his game.

"The icing on the cake on Sunday was both Ethan Nwaneri and Myles both scored, two Hale End boys who came through the academy. It is great and Arsenal fans love it when an academy player comes through into the first team and does well.

"Each player is their own individual, but recently people mention Ashley Cole and Myles. But it's so too early to make comparisons as Myles has only a few games under his belt, but a great career ahead of him."

As Parlour mentioned, Lewis-Skelly's fellow academy graduate, Nwaneri, also found the net in Arsenal's five-star display against Man City, scoring his seventh competitive goal of the season.

Arsenal's Ethan Nwaneri celebrates scoring on January 4, 2025© Imago

Nwaneri to follow in Saka's footsteps

Nwaneri has made a promising start to his senior career, and Parlour feels that he should use Bukayo Saka as inspiration on how to break into a team and stay there.

"For Nwaneri, he just has to look at the way Saka has burst onto the scene and been such a success for Arsenal. Both of them have huge talent," Parlour added.

Unfortunately for the Gunners, Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri were unable to help their side avoid a 2-0 loss in Wednesday's EFL Cup semi-final second leg against Newcastle United.

As a result, Mikel Arteta's side fell to a 4-0 aggregate defeat, ensuring they now exited both domestic cup competitions in the last month.

Arsenal will now travel to Dubai for a warm-weather training camp, before they return to action with a Premier League away game against Leicester City on February 15.

ID:564888:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect6672:
Written by
Ben Sully

Click here for more stories about Myles Lewis-Skelly

Click here for more stories about Arsenal

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Ray Parlour/Arsenal composite image
Read Next:
"Massive belief": Can Arsenal emulate 1998 crop thanks to Man City mauling?
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool23175156213556
2Arsenal24148249222750
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest24145540271347
4Chelsea24127547311643
5Manchester CityMan City24125748351341
6Newcastle UnitedNewcastle24125742291341
7Bournemouth24117641281340
8Aston Villa2410773437-337
9Fulham249963632436
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2481063538-334
11Brentford2494114242031
12Crystal Palace247982830-230
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd2485112834-629
14Tottenham HotspurSpurs24831348371127
15West Ham UnitedWest Ham2476112946-1727
16Everton236892328-526
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves2454153452-1819
18Leicester CityLeicester2445152553-2817
19Ipswich TownIpswich2437142249-2716
20Southampton2423191854-369


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!